Mark Alan DeWald passed away on Nov. 19, 2025. He was born on Oct. 12, 1953, in Hays, Kan. at Hadley Hospital to Harlan E. DeWald and Delores (Popp) DeWald.
“A 10 pounder! Sorry, Mom! LOL! I was a nuisance to my sister Janice who was 5 years older. I stole her thunder and messed up her coloring books! I always considered myself a Rush County resident.”
Mark was baptized Nov. 1, 1953, at Hope Lutheran Church in LaCrosse, and confirmed on Reformation Sunday at First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse. He was promoted from LaCrosse Elementary in 1967 and graduated from LaCrosse Rural High School in 1971.
He was active in 4-H, receiving the Gold Award and the Key Award. In the 5th grade he played cornet, then trumpet, which was a defining decision in his life. Although he was good in track and was the high school yearbook editor, it was band where he really succeeded. He was awarded the John Phillips Sousa Award in high school and the Ken Ochs Scholarship for overall participation in high school activities. Mark also received music scholarships from Fort Hays State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music as well as being certified to teach journalism. He was on the Reveille (yearbook) staff all five years at FHSU. During his college years, he expanded his photography knowledge from the 4-H years by buying a 35 mm Minolla camera (thanks to his parents).
Teaching was one of his passions. He taught at Inman two years, WaKeeney 24 years, Hoisington five years, and Great Bend High School Band 11 years. He retired from full time teaching in 2019, but taught band part time at USD 112 (Central Plains) for two years and one year at Holy Family in Great Bend for a total of 45 years. He continued to volunteer his knowledge and talent when asked and where needed including directing Christmas cantatas and playing in community concerts.
While at WaKeeney, he taught vocal music grades 6-12 and yearbook/newspaper. His vocal group the “TCHS Chorale” was the featured choral group on KAYS TV on Christmas Day for approximately 14 years. During his teaching at WaKeeney, he transitioned to being the band director due to a “reduction-in-force” of teaching staff. He enjoyed entering a different form of teaching although it took a lot of “review from the college days.”
Dad had many successes in life which definitely included his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Enid J. “E.J.” Schlegel on May 26, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Alexander, Kan. He and E.J. rejoiced when daughter, Jessica Marie, was born in 1977, and son, Jonathan, was born in 1984. They were saddened when Justina Elizabeth was pre-maturely born and died on March 15, 1986. E.J. was also an educator and was diagnosed with MS in 2006. She did a medical retirement in 2008 and passed away on Aug. 19, 2020 in Wichita.
Mark was a member of First Lutheran Church, LaCrosse, National Educators Association lifetime member, National Association for Music Education lifetime member, District KMEA Jazz Chair for three years, Walnut City Masonic Lodge #148, NW Choral Chair, two years, Director of Graham County Chorus for 15 years, Hope 1st Lutheran Choir Director and Rush County Christmas Cantata director as well as adjudicated KSHSAA regional music and debate contests and League Music contests. The past few years he has spent practicing and playing accompaniment for congregational worship on Sundays.
Survivors include daughter, Jessica Riebel and husband Chase; son, Jonathan DeWald and significant other Julie Selbe; 12 grandchildren, Jacob, Abigial, Alexandria, Anastasia, Ashley, Flint, Tinesha, Reuben, Heaven, Christian, Mason, and Sebastian; seven great grandchildren with two on the way; sister, Janice Huthoefer and husband Don; brother-in-law, Gary Wilson; aunt, Shirley Maier; and numerous cousins and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years; infant daughter, Justina Elizabeth DeWald; father, Harlan DeWald; mother, Delores DeWald-Hanhardt and husband Robert; and nephew, Daniel Huthoefer.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse with Reverend Phyllis Burdge and Pastor Chase Riebel presiding. Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Memorials have been designated to First Lutheran Church or donor’s choice of the Great Bend, Hoisington, or Central Plains Band Programs, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 25, 2025
